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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Promote Digital Privacy Technologies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

United States lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan legislation aimed at promoting the development and integration of privacy-enhancing technologies (PET) in public and private sectors. The Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act, introduced by Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) and U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), aims to ensure that Americans continue to reap the benefits of data analysis while protecting their sensitive information.

The legislation requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research into PET technologies, including fundamental research on PETs, mathematics that underlie PETs, and technologies that promote data minimization principles. The bill also integrates this mission with the NSF's Computer and Network Security Program and requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary consensus standards for the integration of PETs into business and governmental applications.

"I am proud to partner with my colleagues from the Senate, across the aisle and industry as we work together to enhance privacy protections for our constituents," said Representative Stevens. "It is high time that we research ways in which privacy-enhancing technologies can be utilized to protect Americans' most sensitive and personal data."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act aims to promote the development and integration of privacy-enhancing technologies (PET) in public and private sectors.
  • The legislation requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research into PET technologies, including fundamental research on PETs, mathematics that underlie PETs, and technologies that promote data minimization principles.
  • The bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary consensus standards for the integration of PETs into business and governmental applications.
  • The legislation also integrates this mission with the NSF's Computer and Network Security Program.
  • The bill requires reports to Congress on progress with research and standard setting every two years.
  • Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11) and U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the legislation.
  • Microsoft's Corporate Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, Fred Humphries, praised the bill, saying it will support responsible innovation and help to protect consumer privacy.

Statistics:

  • The National Science Foundation (NSF) will support research into PET technologies.
  • The bill requires the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop voluntary consensus standards for the integration of PETs into business and governmental applications.
  • Reports to Congress on progress with research and standard setting will be required every two years.
  • The legislation aims to ensure that Americans continue to reap the benefits of data analysis while protecting their sensitive information.

Sources:

  • Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11)
  • U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.)
  • Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16)
  • Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft

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